Profession video designer

Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video  designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.

Personality Type

• Artistic / Investigative
• Artistic / Realistic

Skills

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Tune a projector

  Focus and tune a projector.

• Propose improvements to artistic production

  Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.

• Verify feasibility

  Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Coach staff for running the performance

  Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

• Research new ideas

  Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.

• Analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions

  Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.

• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

  Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Analyse a script

  Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

• Monitor sociological trends

  Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.

• Assess power needs

  Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.

• Present detailed design proposals

  Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Edit digital moving images

  Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.

• Develop design concept

  Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Analyse the scenography

  Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design

  Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

  Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

• Update design results during rehearsals

  Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

• Analyse score

  Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.

• Run a media server

  Set up and run a media server.

• Develop design ideas cooperatively

  Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB